Tuesday Links

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

After dropping 2 of 3 games in Detroit over the weekend, the Red Sox opened up a series with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. The Red Sox sent Jake Peavy to the hill, while the Orioles countered with right-hander Bud Norris. Similar to starts past this season, Jake Peavy was victimized by the long ball, as Baltimore pushed 4 runs across the plate on the strength of 3 home runs. But while 4 runs is not an insurmountable deficit in baseball, the Red Sox offense couldn’t come to Peavy’s aid as Bud Norris crafted 8 shutout innings, allowing just 6 base runners. The middle of Boston’s order didn’t even put up much of a fight, going 0-for-16 with 5 strike outs. In the end, Baltimore closer Tommy Hunter tossed a clean 9th inning and put the finishing touches on a 4-0 Orioles win.

• John Farrell announced on Monday that newly reacquired shortstop Stephen Drew was dealing with oblique tightness, and is day-to-day. This news came after the Red Sox line-up featured Jonathan Herrera at short despite the right handed Bud Norris on the hill for Baltimore. Farrell attributed Drew’s discomfort to the rigors of traveling, something that most players go through during spring training. (Stephen Drew out of Red Sox line up with oblique soreness)

• Whether on the college circuit or in the minor leagues, Jackie Bradley has been able to hit. However, his success at the plate in seasons past has yet to transition during the 23-year olds rookie season. For Bradley, it’s not about being over matched offensively, it’s about missed opportunities. (Struggling Jackie Bradley Jr. is keeping it simple)

• For a starting pitcher set to make north of $120M in his new contract, having a personal catch shouldn’t be a priority. But so far this season free agent to be Jon Lester has pitched almost exclusively to Red Sox back-up catcher David Ross. While the numbers suggest to pair Lester with Ross, rather than A.J. Pierzynski, the Red Sox offense can little afford the liability of Ross in the batters box. (Red Sox need to stop babying Jon Lester with personal catcher)

• Entering Monday’s game, the Red Sox calendar featured exactly 100 games left on the season. So far, Boston has spent most of the year with a record below .500, but with about 4 months still left in the 2014 campaign, the team can still climb back into the playoff picture if some things start clicking. (100 games to go, Sox face to-do list)

• After pitching a simulated game over the weekend, Clay Buchholz is slated to begin a rehab stint on Friday. Battling a hyper extended knee, Buchholz will pitch 5 innings on Saturday after which the Red Sox will determine what the next step will be. (Clay Buchholz to begin minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday)

• Tweet of the day: Perhaps it’s his calling…